Category Archives: 44′>50′

Komutu + What To Do On The Long Weekend

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KOMUTU

Woody Ian McDonald has been on a wee road trip up north. Ian sent in the above photos of Komutu hauled out at Whangarei. All we know is she was built in 1950 by Curnow & Wilson in Motueka.

Komutu is 44’ in length , single skin and powered by a GM 6/71 diesel engine.

Can anyone tell us what she has been up to in the last 69 years ?

Input from Brian Kidson – Komutu was designed by Cliff Nalder for himself and built by Curnow and Wilton of Port Nelson. Cliff was the Nalder of the Nalder and Biddle, marine engineers with Curnow and Wilton, next door on the same 200ton sidways slip way. Komutu was launched in the December 1952 at 42ft x 12ft x 3ft 6inches. Komutu hull was seam batten carvel planked white pine from Golden Bay over rata frames with hollow sections frd running aft to a straight flat transom. Her original engine was a 165hp 6/71 GM said to have come out of a Sherman tank. Cliff used her between Nelson and the Marlborough Sounds where he had a bach, until he sold her about 1967 to a Keith Robson. Has had five or six of owners since then.

Further Input from Brian Kidson – Brian sent in the photos below (ex Bill Nalder & Phil Robson) The shows her under construction, then post launching and lastly c.1960’s.

Input from Mark McLaughlin – The new cabin was built by Blenheim boatbuilder Arthur Watson in the late 1980’s. Arthur showed us over her when he had nearly finished the cabin while she was on the hard in Havelock for the refit.

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Komutu(Phil Robson) 1

 

BUSY WEEKEND ON & OFF THE WATER THIS LONG WEEKEND

  1. Friday – sees the start of the annual Coastal Classic Yacht Race to Russell in the Bay of Islands. The start is always a great spectacle, best viewing spot being up North Head, Devonport. Follow the race on-line, details here  https://www.coastalclassic.co.nz/watch

2. Saturday > Monday  – the Tino Rawa Trust are again hosting the classic yacht and launch exhibition at Te Wero Island down at Auckland’s Viaduct. This year the event celebrates the contribution immigrant boat builders had on Auckland’s maritime history. Particular focus will be on the Logan and Bailey boat building dynasties. Event open each day 10am > 4pm – Entry is free. Read more on the event here https://tinorawatrust.co.nz/events

3. Its Labour Day long weekend – time to load the boat up and get out there 🙂

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Woody Classics Weekend – Stillwater Picnic – 26 Classic Wooden Boat Photos 

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Woody Classics Weekend – Stillwater Picnic – 26 Classic Wooden Boat Photos 

All week, the weather gods have been saying that Sunday was going to be the best day for boating – well folks that it was 🙂
Barbara Cooke summed it up perfectly in an email  – “Great day today team! Great to see people enjoying the good weather, relaxing and lolling about on picnic rugs, some with pooches. Interesting bikies! Nice boats too! “
 
Today’s story is just really a photo gallery of the day – the boats and bikes, the venue and the people + a few woodys I spotted along the way. 
A hell of a lot of work goes into organising these events – and I would like to acknowledge the team that bring it all together, without their help and input there would be no Woody Classics Weekend events. Barbara & David Cooke, Sue & Mark Edmonds, Nathan Herbert, Jason Prew and lastly yours truely.
 
Lots of chat about the next event in November – just working thru the logistics, more details ASAP.
 
The day was made extra special by the inclusion of a display of classic motorcycles ( see below) and their owners were big admirers of our classic woodys.
 
Enjoy and as always, click on photos to enlarge – alan houghton

Highlander

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HIGHLANDER

I have been having ongoing chat with Bay of Islands woody and photographer Dean Wright, he is about to undertake a build / installation of a new wheelhouse for his almost 100 year old (99) 33’ Bob Brown built ex gaff rigged cutter – Arethusa, these days presented in work-boat / launch style.  The wheelhouse will be made from Iroko and the big question is yellow or red Uroxsys (Allwood) primer.
Dean sent me a sample of the timber and I have done a 1/2 and 1/2 varnishing job – the result? Not much between it, slight golden tinge to the yellow section. I think the natural colour of the Iroko is just so strong that the primer tint makes little difference.
I have attached at the bottom of the story a photo comparison of the existing wheel house and the plan for the new one – very smart.
Anyone back to todays story – Dean email me mid-week and said “check out what’s parked in our bay tonight” and sent the above photos of the 49’ Highlander. Designed by Roger Carey but not built by Careys. Wheelhouse designed by Don and Peter McManaway.
Dean mentioned Highlander was featured (page 127) in the 1988 book ‘By Boats We Live”, written by Joan Clark. The book records the history of the boats built by Roger Carey. I have reproduced the page below, have a read – its very good
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Arethusa – New Wheelhouse

Aria + WIN a copy of the Des Townson book

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ARIA

Todays vessel is the 47.5’ ex-work boat Aria, built in 1938 by Miller & Tunnage to tow barges of native timber, retired from duty in 1963, then used as a fishing trawler and pleasure use until 1981.She then received a total refit including all new topsides for extended blue-water Pacific cruising, the refit included a rebuilt 1963 Gardner 6LXB, (now 150hp).

Reviewing her trademe listing (thanks Ian McDonald), Aria is very well fitted out for cruising or live aboard. Won’t win a beauty competition but a very salty looking woody.

WIN A COPY OF THE JUST RELEASED BOOK –  ‘DES TOWNSON – A SAILING LEGACY’
A ground breaking book that chronicles the life and design work of one of New Zealand’s most successful boating legends. Over 400 photographs.
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HOW TO ENTER 
Answer, correctly, the question below and you will go into the draw for a copy of the brilliant 334 page book. Entry is via email only -send your answer to the link below waitematawoodys@gmail.com
Q: How many words are used in the book?
Hint – you will find the answer here  https://destownson.co.nz
Entry closes at 8pm on 09-10-2019. Winner advised on WW.
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RSVP– you and your boats name + approx. numbers to sueedwards@xtra.co.nz

 

Lady Gay On Sydney Harbour

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New Australian Home For Lady Gay

It appears the dockside rumours are true, the photos below confirms that the 1935 Colin Wild built launch Lady Gay is now residing on Sydney Harbour, Australia. I hope someone has paid the bond………………

Update 08-10-2019 – I have been told Lady Gay posted a substantial bond for her return to NZL. She is on a 3-year leave from NZL to cruise the Australian East Coast.

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Photo below of Lady Gay at Palm Beach, Waiheke Island (Jan, 2019), ex John Simpson

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The Refurbishment Of Tamariki

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The Refurbishment Of Tamariki
Todays story is a video essay on the refurbishment of Tamariki, the 45’ Gary Wheeler designed ’spirit of tradition’  ketch owned by Peter Mortimer, father of CYA Chairman James Mortimer.
The video was filmed and edited by the very talented Roger Mills, a friend of Peter’s
Post the refurbishment Peter has been cruising the Pacific and attended the 2019 Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart – in fact the only Kiwi boat in attendance. Roger joined Peter for the homeward leg – Hobart > Picton.
Enjoy – it is a great insight into the 7 month project – wonderful work, well done everyone that rubbed up against Tamariki during this labour of love.
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RSVP– you and your boats name + approx. numbers to sueedwards@xtra.co.nz

Sorceress SOS – Washed Ashore

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Sorceress SOS

Was sent the photos above today from Keith Ottaway of Sorceress ‘ashore / washed up’ under the Pohutukawa’s at Little Shoal Bay on the western side of Northcote Point. Keith understands she went ashore at low tide on Thursday and has been pushed up under the trees by the rising tide wave action. The tide today was too high for Keith to ascertain if there is any terminal damage.
Sorceress has appeared on WW before, link below, she is a fine ship – someone needs to save her before its too late 😦

UPDATE from Keith –She is flooded by damage to the after  keel bolts – after wooden keel section has pulled away from keelson – with broken bolts. Water was draining still at low tide so its only a small leak at this stage. The hull looks OK at the moment  – but that keelson damage may be the issue. Hope its not a chainsaw salvage. There is a lot of Kauri in there.

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30-09-2019 UPDATE  Photo below from John Hilt of the the yacht aground and being pushed ashore by wind & tide.
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RSVP– you and your boats name + approx. numbers to sueedwards@xtra.co.nz

A-Class Racing on the Waitemata

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A-Class Racing on the Waitemata

Today’s feature photo is from a photo essay that Mike McGehan sent in. If my eyes and memory are correct Left > Right

A15 Prize, A17 Ngatoa, A14 Ngataringa, A18 Tawera, A27 Arohia

Anyone able to put an approx. date on the photo?

Mondays WW story will be a goody – 30+ photos from the camera of Kere Kemp who has just returned from the 2019 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. Great photos from a gent with a good key for woody talent 🙂 A tease below

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RSVP – you and your boats name + approx. numbers to sueedwards@xtra.co.nz

 

 

Woody Classics Weekend Riverhead Trip Report

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Woody Classics Weekend Riverhead Trip Report

We had 23 classic launches confirm for Sundays Riverhead cruise but folks I can report that the weather at times was a little evil. Not too bad for the big girls but the sub 30’ crowd were rocking & rolling. Lots of white water over the top. But it was only for a short time, after Herald Island things improved 🙂
On the day, 15 launches travelled to the Riverhead Tavern and had a ball, neat people , stunning boats, lots of good chat. Big ups to those that came by car to join the gathering, nice gesture.
Now – confession time – on the email I to sent the skippers that had RSVP’ed I gave everyone a big wind up about behaving e.g. Indian File, follow the leader, no over taking etc etc and bugger me – Raindance went aground. Last bend before the hotel & I’m up on deck laying out the lines & fenders and  the ‘duty’ skipper puts us in the mud. No amount of forward / reverse would move her. Thank goodness for my boatbuilder Geoff Bagnall and his wife Theresa on board Achillies, who came to our aid and pulled us off. Not before 1/2 the fleet passed us – very embarrassed. Hopefully the oops cleaned off some Baywater sludge. But I was not alone………. 2 others parked up as well 😉
Not a great day for photos, overcast and drizzle but the sun shone thru at the important times 🙂
Remember to put a big circle in your diary for the weekend of 19/20th of October for the next Woodys Classics Weekend. Its a picnic cruise to Still Water motor camp – Master of ceremonies / Officer of the day / Rear commodore / Chief Poo-bar / Mark Edmonds (who like titles) is finalising dates and details but there could be a band, classic cars / motorbikes and vehicle access for the boat less Woodys – more details soon.
Special thanks to Brendon Gardiner, Margo Hudson, Jason Prew and Alan Houghton for the photos.
Photos below from Michelle Maitland onboard Cleone

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And more ex David Plummer and Geoff Steven

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B/W photo below ex Mike Mahoney

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Great view of Jason Prew’s – My Girl below. taken by Angus Rogers. Really shows off her lines, no wonder she is so quick 😉

My Girl @ Riverhead Sept2019

Manunui

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MANUNUI
The 42’ Manunui was designed and built in 1939 by Bill Couldrey for Percy Colebrook, back in 2013 she appeared briefly on WW (link below) but the photo was very poor, now thanks to Lew Redwood fb and Harold Kidd we get to see her in her finest and learn a little more about this very smart launch.
Couldrey was a stunning craftsman, in fact one of the few boat builders preferred by Arch Logan.
When launched she was powered by a 55hp Benz diesel. The Benz lasted until 1963 when it was replaced with a 100hp Perkins diesel.
In 1942>44 Manunui was commandeered from Max Colebrook and taken to Fiji as a Naval patrol vessel.
In the 2013 story it was mentioned that Manunui had possibly headed south to Wellington, HDK has confirmed this, she calls the Boat Harbour marina in Wellington home.
Would love to see some up to date photos.
Input from Simon Smith – these photos were taken approx. 3 years ago and show Manunui motoring round Wellington harbour. Simon commented that her elderly owner is struggling to give her the attention she needs as he lives a 2 hour drive away from the marina.
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Manunui Gun rack

Update ex Hylton Edmonds c.1981 > 1982

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Manunui 1954